UN threatens Sudan and South Sudan with sanctions

By
Euronews

The United Nations Security Council has unanimously approved a resolution threatening both Sudan and South Sudan with sanctions if they don’t pull back from the brink of war.

The south split from Khartoum last year as part of a peace deal following a nearly two decades long civil war. But there’s been clashes along their disputed border and continued rows over oil revenues.

“The current conflict between Sudan and South Sudan is on the verge of becoming a full-scale and sustained war. It poses a clear and present threat to international peace and security,” said Susan Rice, US Ambassador to the UN.

At the centre of the latest dispute is the Heglig oil field, which Sudan claims, and which was temporarily occupied by South Sudan last month.

Sudan’s Oil Minister says vital equipment has been repaired following battles there and the oil is flowing once again.

The conflict has halted nearly all oil production in the region, choking off vital revenues for both countries’ economies.

China, which has close trade relations with both Khartoum and Juba, supported the UN resolution along with Russia.